Hull City Council’s Planning Committee has given its consent to the proposed works at Alexandra Dock, Green Port Hull, following the submission of detailed plans by Associated British Ports (ABP) and Siemens plc in June this year.
In March Siemens and ABP announced a combined investment of £310m to develop pioneering new wind turbine production and installation facilities in Yorkshire. The project comprises new project construction, assembly and service facilities at Green Port Hull and a new rotor blade manufacturing facility in nearby Paull, in the East Riding. The two sites will create 1,000 new jobs and several hundred roles during construction.
In June detailed planning applications were submitted for works at Alexandra Dock to enable development of the nacelle pre-assembly, project construction and logistics and distribution facilities and offices. Today’s approval will enable construction to commence later in the year at Alexandra Dock. Planning applications for works at the adjacent Paull blade site are targeted to be submitted later in 2014.
Welcoming the news, Finbarr Dowling, Siemens project director for Hull said: “We are delighted that the plans for Alexandra Dock have been approved today by Hull City Council. These works represent an important step in the overall programme which will be progressed in coming months and years.”
“Many people have worked exceptionally hard to get the project to this stage and we are grateful for this commitment and the support of the people of Hull. We will continue to work closely together with our partners and stakeholders to ensure that we continue to make good progress in the delivery timeline.”
“This is a key project for the region, for the UK wind industry and for the UK in helping to deliver the future low carbon economy.”
ABP Director Humber, John Fitzgerald said: “Following that momentous day in March, this decision marks another important project milestone our Green Port Hull development and we welcome it. We’re working closely with all parties to finalise a project that has the potential to deliver something truly fantastic for this city and the Humber region.”
Councillor Steven Brady from Hull City Council said: “Today’s decision marks a crucial step forward in our plans for establishing Hull as the UK’s Energy Estuary. We are delighted with the plans presented by Siemens and ABP for the proposed wind turbine assembly and service facility at Alexandra Dock and we look forward to working with our partners on this key project. This will not only make a huge difference to the city’s economy, but also help transform green energy and ensure that Hull is the market leader for the UK’s offshore wind industry.”
“We are working closely with Siemens to ensure that the benefits from this landmark investment are maximised in terms of increased business activity and high quality employment. Coming fully on stream during the City of Culture celebrations, 2017 will be a truly transformational year for Hull.”
“Through the £26m Green Port Growth Programme, Hull City and East Riding Councils’ are working alongside partner organisations to deliver funding and training programmes to ensure that local people are equipped with the necessary skills to take advantage of the 1000 new jobs at Green Port Hull. We are also providing a programme of business support activity to enable indigenous business to grow and take advantage of the supply chain opportunities within the renewable sector.”